Expanded polystyrene quick change displays



April 5, 1960 E. A. BUCK EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE QUICK CHANGE DISPLAYS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov.

INVENTOR.

ERNEST Fl. BUCK HT TURNE'Y April 5, 1960 E. A. BUCK EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE QUICK CHANGE DISPLAYS Filed' Nov. 24, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. ERNEST Fl. BUCK 0,0 0 MG a POLYSTYRENE QUICK CHANGE ISPLAYS This invention relates to improvements in display devices and particularly concerns a device for displaying jewelry on counters and in windows in a moreconspicuous and convenient manner.

The invention provides a means for holding a piece of velvet or similar fabric to provide a suitable display surface for the articles of jewelry.

An important object of the invention is the provision of a device of the type mentioned which is simple in construction and effective in use for displaying articles of jewelry. l A further object is to provide a collapsiblejewelry display stand.

A still further object is to provide a frame structure formed of impressionable expanded polystyrene plastic foam material, and a coacting block structure formed of the same material adapted to fit frictionally inthe frame for securing a covering fabric thereon and for receiving the article of jewelry in a recess impressed in the block by the article of jewelry.

Another object according to a modification of the invention is to provide av jewelry display device having a-frame structure of expanded foam polystyrene material supporting a plurality of spaced blocks of similar material covered with a fabric of contrasting color.

It is a further object according to another modification of the invention to provide a display device having a frame structure of expanded foam polystyrene material supporting a block of similar material covered with a fabric of contrasting color and supporting a radially nit States Patent For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a. material part 'of this disclosure:

the invention, showing .a ring on display.

Fig. 5 is a top plan viewof. the form of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 1 of another modified .form of display device.

, .Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken on theplane of theline 8-8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 1 of still another modification of the invention.

fig. 10 is a cross-sectional viewtaken on the plane of the line 10-10 of Fig. 9.

. 2 Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 1, of astill *further modification of the invention. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken on the plane of the line 12-12 of Fig. 11. l Fig. 13 is a top plan view of a display device embody ing yet another modified form of the invention and showing ornamental elements supported thereon.

Fig. 14 is a view lookingfrom the top of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a vertical sectional view taken on the plane of theline 15-15 of Fig. 13. In Fig. 1 is shown a display device 10 embodying one form of the invention including a generally rectangular frame structure 12 formed with a rectangular opening 14 having straight fiat sides 15.1 The frame has beveled edges formed on the straight ends 18, 19 and the straight sides 20. The frame is formed of expanded polystyrene plastic foam material. It may be snow white or pref erably pastel colored. It is light in weight and has outstanding working properties. It is cellular in structure and can easily be cut to the desired shape from fiat sheets or boards. The outer exposed surfaces are roughened due to the cellularnature of the material. The frame is formed and the inherent resiliency of the material is such that the sides 20 are slightly flexible. Y V

A block 22 shown in Figs. 2 and 3, of expanded polystyrene plastic foam material, is provided for coaction with the frame structure 12. This block has a length and width only slightly smaller than the length and width of the opening 14. A rectangular piece of fabric 24, preferably of velvet, velour or other napped material loosely covers the top and sides of the block 22. The cover is of a color contrasting to the color of the frame and preferably is black. The covered block is then inserted in the opening 14 to be engaged andheld at any desired level from the top surface of the frame because of the frictional engagement of the inner surfaces of the frame with the skirt 25 of fabric 24 which surrounds the sides of the block. a I i A ring 26 or other article of jewelry to be displayed may be supported in an upright position o'n-the covered block 22 by exerting finger pressure on the article to intpress the cover and thereby forming a recess 28 in the block in which aportion of the fabric will extend along with the base portion of the article of jewelry. The recess thus formed has rough sides which frictionally grip the fabric and base portion of the article of jewelry to support the article in an optimum display position, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The resiliency and impression} able properties of the material of the cover and block permit this operation.

In Figs. 4, 5 and 6 there is shown a modified form of display device 10 wherein the block 22' is supported in an elevated position at an angle to the flat frame structure 12'. The forward end 19' of the frame may be cut obliquely at inner edge 14 of opening 14' so that the lower edge of the block is provided with a supporting footing or abutment. The fabric 24' may hang downwardly at the rear of the block -to form decorative drapery folds 30. The flexible sides 20 of the frame will frictionally grip the fabric covered block and hold it in the angular position shown. The article of jewelry 26' can be pressed into the cover and block at any desired angle to form the recess 28.-in the block and provide an colors or types of covering material may be used and the frame structure may have other contrasting colors.

The form of display device shown in Figs. 7 and 8 differs from the-form of display device 10 shown in Fig. 1 in that the frame structure 12" and the covered block 22" are both oval-in shape instead of beingrectangular. In this form, the block 22" instead of being depressed below the top surface of the frame structure 12" is raised above said top surface and is held in this raised position by the flat sides of the frame structure frictionally gripping the covered sides of the block.

Referring now to the form of invention shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the display device 10 shown herein comprises aframe structure 12 semicircular in shape. The frame structure is formed with a plurality of spaced round openings 14, five openings being'shown, and fitted in the openings are round blocks 22 the blocks being covered with a fabric 24? similar to the fabric 24 of the form of Fig. 1. The frame structure and blocks are formed of the same material as the frame structure 10 and blocks 22.- In this form, the blocks 22 are held in raised position in the openings by the frictional engagement of the fabric with the sides of the openings 14 in the frame structure. An article of jewelry such as a ring is adapted to be mounted on each'covered block The modified form of display device 10 shown in Figs. 11 and 12 is square in plan and comprises a frame structure 12 having a concentrically arranged round opening 14 therein. A round block 22 of substantially the same dimensions as the opening 14 supports another smaller block 34 eccentrically mounted on its top surface and secured thereon by a nail 36. The frame structure and blocks are formed of the same material as the frame structure 12 and block 22 of the form of Fig. 1.

The blocks are partially enveloped by a fabric cover 24. The cover 24 includes an inner ply 38 and an outer ply 39, which plies may be of a color contrasting to each other and to the frame structure. The cover is frictionally clamped between the side of the opening 14"- and the side of the block 22, and the inner ply 38 may be fastenedto the under surface of block 22 by nails In this form of display device 10, the article of jewelry such as a ring is mounted on the smaller block 34 by impressing the article of jewelry into the block 34. Articles of jewelry having pin fastening elements may be pinned to the cover 24 at any desired point.

- With reference to the form of display device 40 shown in Figs. 13 to 15, inclusive, herein the device comprises an elongated rectangular-shaped frame structure 41 having an oval shaped opening 42 in the center thereof and extending substantially for the length of the frame. An oval-shaped block 44 covered with a fabric cover 46 is fitted into the opening 42 and is held therein in raised position above the top surface of the frame structure by means of the fitting and clamping engagement of the cover with the wall of the opening 42 as shown in Fig. 15.

The frame structure and block are formed of the same material as the frame structure 12 and block 22 of the form of Fig. 1.

In accordance with the invention," an arcuate-shaped shelf or rail 50 is secured to the front surface of the frame structure 41 adjacent the bottom end thereof as viewed in Fig. 13 by means of nails 52. The shelf or rail 50 is formed of the same material as the frame structure and block so that articles of ornament such as the small twig or branch 54 and the blossom in the form of a cone 56 may be supported in upright position on the shelf by pressing the stems thereof into the material of the shelf, the resiliency of the material permitting this operation. An article or articles of jewelry may be mounted on the block '44 by impressing the article into the materialv of the block, or the device may he used without displaying articles of jewelry but for the purpose of decorating the home or a window in a store.

The expanded polystyrene plastic foam material used in forming the frame, block and shelf is an established article of commerce. It may be obtained in panel or board form and readily cut to desired shape and dimen- SlOlIS.

While I have illustrated and described thepreferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and that various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. I

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A display device comprising a frame structure, said frame'structure having an opening with straight flat sides, a block of material removably and adjustably positioned in said opening, and a piece of fabric covering said block and forming a depending skirt around the block, said skirt being disposed between the block and the flat sides of the opening and being frictionally gripped thereat.

2. A display device comprising a frame structure formed of expanded cellular plastic polystyrene material, said 'frame. structure having an opening with straight fiat sides, a block of expanded cellular plastic polystyrene material removably and adjustably positioned in said opening, and a piece of fabric covering said block and forming a depending skirt around the block, said skirt being disposed between the block and the flat sides of the opening and being frictionally gripped thereat.

3. A display device for an article of jewelry or the like, comprising a block structure formed of expanded cellular plastic foam material, said material adapted to be impressed by finger pressure to form a recess for receiving a portion of an article of jewelry and support it in an optimum display position, and a frame structure formed of expanded cellular plastic foam material and having a rectangular opening therein, said block being adjustably positioned in said opening and being frictionally gripped by the sides of said opening.

4. A display device for an article of jewelry or the like, comprising a block formed of expanded cellular plastic foam material, said material adapted to be recessed with rough sides for receiving a portion of an article of jewelry and frictionally gripping said article therein, and a frame structure of expanded cellular plastic foam material, said frame structure having an opening therein, said block being adjustably positioned in said opening and being frictionally gripped by the sides of said opening.

5. A display device for an article of jewelry or the like, comprising a rectangular block formed of expanded cellular plastic foam material, said material adapted to be recessed with rough sides for receiving a portion of an article and frictionally gripping said article therein, and a rectangular frame structure of expanded cellular plastic foam material, said frame structure having a rectangular opening therein, said block being adjustably positioned in said opening and being frictionally gripped by the sides of said opening, said block being covered by a colored napped fabric.

6. A display device for an article of jewelry or the like, comprising a rectangular block formed of expanded cellular plastic foam material, said material adapted to be recessed with rough sides for receiving a portion of the block, said skirt being clamped between the block and the flat sides of the opening.

7. A display device for an article of jewelry comprising a rectangular frame structure formed of expanded cellular plastic polystyrene foam material, said material cut to form rough friction gripping surfaces, said structure having a rectangular opening with flat sides, said structure having a flat bottom and said opening having a fiat end disposed at an acute angle to said flat bottom, and a rectangular block of expanded cellular plastic foam polystyrene material disposed at said acute angle to said flat bottom with a foot portion of the block abutting said fiat end of the opening.

8. A display device for an article of jewelry, comprising a rectangular frame structure formed of expanded cellular plastic polystyrene foam material, said material being cut to form rough friction gripping surfaces, said structure having a rectangular opening with fiat sides, said structure having a flat bottom and said opening having a flat end disposed at an acute angle to said flat bottom,

and a rectangular block of expanded cellular plastic foam polystyrene material disposed at said acute angle to said 7 flat bottom with a foot portion of the block abutting said flat end of the opening, said block being covered with a napped fabric material and having skirt portions clamped frictionally between flexible sides of said frame structure and sides of said block.

9. A display device for an article of jewelry, comprising a rectangular frame structure formed of expanded cellular plastic polystyrene foam material, said material cut to form rough friction gripping surfaces, said structure having a rectangular opening with flat sides, said structure having a fiat bottom and said opening having a flat end disposed at an acute angle to said fiat bottom, and a rectangular block of expanded cellular plastic foam polystyrene material disposed at said acute angle to said flat bottom with a foot portion of the block abutting said flat end of the opening, said block covered with a napped fabric material and having skirt portions engaged frictionally between flexible sides of said frame structure and sides of said block, said fabric material having loose folds draped around the elevated back of the block and extending into said opening.

10. A display device for an article of jewelry, comprising a rectangular frame structure formed of expanded cellular plastic polystyrene foam material, said material cut to form rough friction gripping surfaces, said structure having a rectangular opening with fiat sides, said structure having a flat bottom and said opening having a fiat end disposed at an acute angle to said fiat bottom, and

a rectangular block of expanded cellular plastic foam polystyrene material disposed at said acute angle to said fiat bottom with a foot portion of the block abutting said fiat end of the opening, said block covered with a napped fabric material and having skirt portions engaged frictionally between flexible sides of said frame structure and sides of said block, said fabric material having loose folds draped around the elevated back of the block and extending said opening, said block adapted to be recessed with rough sides for engaging a portion of an article of jewelry to support it in an optimum display position.

11. A display device for an article of jewelry or the like, comprising a rectangular block formed of expanded cellular plastic foam material, said material adapted to be recessed with rough sides for receiving arportion of an article of jewelry and frictionally gripping said article therein, and a rectangular frame structure of expanded cellular plastic foam material, said frame structure having a rectangular opening therein, said block being adiusta'aly positioned in said opening and being frictionally gripped by the sides of said opening, said block covered by a colored napped fabric, said frame structure being pastel colored, the color of the frame structure being different from the color of the fabric material.

12. A display device for an article of jewelry comprising an oval-shaped frame structure formed of expanded cellular impressionable polystyrene plastic foam material, said structure having a central oval-shaped opening therein, an oval-shaped block of similar material in said opening, and a napped fabric cover on said block, said cover having a skirt portion clamped fritcionally between the wall of the opening and the side of the block.

13. A display device for an article of jewelry comprising a semi-circular shaped frame structure formed of expanded cellular impressionable polystyrene plastic foam material, said structure having a plurality of spaced round openings threein, a round block of similar material in each opening, and a napped fabric cover on each block, each cover having a skirt portion clamped frictionally between the wall of the respective opening and the side of the block therein.

14. A display device for an article of jewelry or the like comprising a square-shaped frame structure of expanded cellular impressionable polystyrene plastic foam material, said structure having a central circular opening therein, a round block of similar material in said opening, said block projecting above the top surface of the structure, another block of smaller dimensions than the firstnamed block positioned eccentrically on the top surface of the first-named block and secured thereto, and a napped fabric cover over said blocks, said cover having a skirt portion clamped frictionally between the wall of the opening in the structure and the side of the first-named block.

15. A device of the kind described comprising an elongated rectangular-shaped frame structure of expanded cellular impressionable polystyrene plastic foam material, said structure having a central oval-shaped opening therein, an oval-shaped block of similar material in said opening, said block projecting above the top surface of the frame structure, a napped fabric cover over said block, said cover having a skirt portion clamped frictionally between the wall of the opening and the side of the block, and means on the bottom of the frame structure for supporting an article or ornament in an upright position in front of the block.

16. A device of the kind described comprising an elongated rectangular-shaped frame structure of expanded cellular impresionable polystyrene plastic foam material, said structure having a central oval-shaped opening therein, an oval-shaped block of similar material in said opening, said block projecting above the top surface of the frame structure, a napped fabric cover over said block, said cover having a skirt portion clamped frictionally between the wall of the opening and the side of the block, and a shelf of similar material secured to the front surface of the structure at the bottom thereof and extending radially thereof for supporting an article or ornament pressed into the material of the shelf in an upright position.

17. A display device for an article of jewelry or the like as defined in claim 16 wherein the cover consists of an inner ply and an outer ply of fabric, said plies being of contrasting colors and of a color contrasting to the color of the frame structure.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,936,951 Peterson Nov, 28, 1933 2,861,682 Hatcher Nov. 25, 1958 

